Messages

1

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: September 03, 2003, 12:19:46 PM »

Well don't worry I had just recently "came back" 'cos I got a trial AOL disc...anyways...

Thanks for posting Ian Sane, I always like your posts.

I agree with some of your points in the last post.  #1-Yes I did make it seem enticing for a Microsoft/Nintendo team up, but then I blasted my own wild theories with the simple fact that I saw in everyone elses posts...Nintendo doesn't need Microsoft.  The big thing that would help Nintendo by teaming with Microsoft is improving mindshare and appeal...but really...Nintendo should do this themselves their own way and let Microsoft fend for themselves.  #2-I totally agree with the point that Sony sticks to their own standerds while ignoring all others even when other companies abandon their formats.  Beta, MD, DD-CD, Memory Stick, UMD were ALL created and supplied by Sony and most are or may become failures 'cos of Sony's control-freakness.  They could possibly be hurting themselves by making it to where their games can only be played on their machines/formats 'cos another company (like Nintendo) could make their technology available to the giants that Sony compete's against in the electronics world with a universal format that plays across all the systems these companies create.  #3-I agree, and as you'll note in past Mr. Iwata quotes, Nintendo agrees that graphics really can't get much better than they are...I mean really, the leap from this generation to the next won't be as big as the leap from PSX/N64 to now...let alone 2D to 3D.  Creating a standerd games format now could really work for Nintendo and may make it to where another generation won't start for a while now.  #4-Garnering support would be the only problem for such a business model, but I'm sure there's plenty of electronics companies (who are competing with Sony in other electronics markets) who would implement this into their products (for the right price) and thusly, give Nintendo a bigger userbase which would up their 3RD party software support since there's more hardware the games would sell to.  3RD party software especially will grow for Nintendo with deals like Nintendo has been making recently continue.  I mean the GAMECUBE may not be competing with PSX2 on even ground BUT it was a system that brought alot of 3RD parties back after the stubborn N64 approach AND it's done alot better for Nintendo in the homeland which can only mean good things next generation.  GAMECUBE, to me, was like a bridge system to open up 3RD party relations again after the mistake that was the N64.

Imagine having a choice between a barebones, set-top-box, portable, DVD-RW enabled, iMac or iBook to play "NES Discs" on...that would really broaden Nintendo's audience & userbase.

2

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: September 03, 2003, 08:59:24 AM »

I agree with you MadMan...seriously a chip provider like ATi (or anyone else involved in making parts for game systems) isn't going to reject Nintendo over another customer (Microsoft).  ATi wants to make money AND they wanna shut out nVidia, by working with Nintendo & Microsoft they have two PAYING customers and they keep nVidia from competing with them.  Believe me if someone were to reject Nintendo they'd basically be signing away a paying customer to the competition 'cos there's plenty of companies out there who want in on this business.

It really dazzles me how I read on all kinds of boards the Nintendo-naysaying that goes on.  They say in one breath that someone will dump them for something better (PSX3 or X-BOX NEXT) and then they say that Nintendo would be lost and have no one else to go to.  To me, it looks like IBM *might* have ditched Nintendo for Sony, but that doesn't mean that Nintendo has no one to turn to.  Before the GAMECUBE was made NEC was going to create the CPU for "Dolphin", but something happened and Nintendo used IBM instead.  So right there Nintendo has an option for this next generation.  Cray is also working on similar CPU tech. to The CELL...do you think that Cray would deny Nintendo (a paying customer) in on it and thusly let their competition (IBM) get more headway into such technology?  I beg to differ.  Smaller companies SHOULD band together and compete with these giants in order to keep them in check.

Anyways, back on the topic of Microsoft & Nintendo getting together...

I'm beginning to think that Microsoft may be getting slightly desperate.  They're not making a profit at all (in fact they're just bleeding) and are struggling with Nintendo for 2ND place this generation and the PSX3 threat makes their struggle in gaming seem bleak on hype alone.  I mean the only reason why anyone supports Microsoft in games is 'cos Microsoft pays them to or the Microsoft name helps sell it to people.  The stockholders at Microsoft are surely complaining.

I'm not one of those Nintendo fanatics who thinks Microsoft should or is leaving the gaming industry.  I just think that them losing SO much money just to get them a close 2ND or 3RD place in people's minds may have not been worth it.  Microsoft is an OS company, they're not known for hardware, let alone as an electronics giant like Sony is.  They can't do things like Sony can either (create HUGE format standerds or create groundbreaking CPU's) so they may be in a bit of a situation here.  I mean they can lose tons of cash next generation (like this one), but how many generations can they continue to do this against two competitors who actually make tons of profits in games instead?

I think their plan of course called for themselves to SPEND tons of cash to make a name for themselves in gaming but also do something else: swallow Nintendo.  Nintendo would be a major ASSET to Microsoft in the games business.  They tried to BUY them before this generation even started, they've appealed greatly to the N64 audience as the alternative to Sony, N64 was known for it's console FPS's...X-BOX seems to be the FPS console this generation, they aquired RARE (which turned ALOT of Nintendo fans heads), then they go to ATi (one of Nintendo's console partners) and now there's this talk of them "shaking hands" together!  To me, this sounds like they WANT Nintendo to help them in their fight against Sony.

Thing is...Nintendo DOESN'T need Microsoft to be and remain profitable.  In fact Nintendo would be more profitable to stay far away from Microsoft.  Besides, Nintendo could see Micrsoft's desperation to get them working on their system as a sign of weakness for them next generation.  I mean, Microsoft NEEDS to do something to appease shareholders and to turn their games business model into a profitable one without having to constantly spend and bleed so much money.  Nintendo, on the other hand, doesn't need Microsoft as they've done just as well as them this generation without having to advertise as much, without spending a FRACTION of the money Microsoft has AND against all the "Nintendo iz t3h kiddie" attitude that hangs over them from the gamers, press, developers and retailers.  So maybe Nintendo might see Microsoft leaving this industry in a matter of time if they can't get Nintendo to work with them and Nintendo themselves can break away from competing on Microsoft's level for 2ND place and start competing more against the market leader instead.

It'd be funny if Nintendo led Microsoft on like as if they might get together and then instead back down later on (possibly hurting Microsoft's plans).  They (as in NOA) could talk with Microsoft like as if it could happen and then say: "nope...NCL doesn't want to"!  Of course, if Nintendo did this purposely that might be considered illegal.  Oh well, one thing's for sure it's a Sony VS Nintendo game in Japan, why possibly hurt themselves (or help Microsoft) in this region by partnering them?  Besides...Japanese developers are gonna eventually shun the X-BOX 'cos it can't get anywhere in the homeland...so Nintendo shouldn't do anything for Microsoft 'cos of this market (and the games that are created here) especially.

I'm more likin' the idea that Nintendo would create a software AND hardware standerd that other companies like NEC, Panasonic & Hitachi could use in their various future products to compete on Microsoft & Sony's level next generation.

3

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 31, 2003, 10:53:15 AM »

I used to think that teaming with Sega would be so awesome, but Sega's management is so damned horrid it would really hurt Nintendo more to team with them than anyone else.

I have heard that NEC is VERY involved with Nintendo's next system, but I've only heard a couple blurbs about Hitachi and I really wouldn't know what they'd bring to the table (I do know they did some CPU work & the GD-ROM drive for the DreamCast).  IBM, to me, is in question 'cos no one has talked about Nintendo working with them anymore ever since The CELL had been conceptualized.  I did hear a rumor that Nintendo had gotten together (along with NEC) to create the CPU for the next system with Cray SuperComputers and that it would be a 2 T-FLOP performance level CPU (The CELL is only 1 to 1.5T-FLOP's at this point).  And as far as the drive goes Matt (from IGN) said it would be DVD based which I would assume would be like full-sized DVD's instead of mini-DVD's.  By this time DVD tech. would be so cheap though that Nintendo could be VERY competitive with licencing fees (especially since Sony is most likely going for the newer BRD tech. in PSX3).  Nintendo may be hindered by the fact that it doesn't hold as much data or offer writability, but I really dunno if alot of developers are gonna need 23 to 50GB capacities for their games even next generation...it may end up costing them too much to make games of this size which ultimatly backfires on Sony for using it.  Plus it would be so cheap to impliment that Nintendo could spend more money on other things like more eDRAM or a more powerful chipset.  Who would provide such a drive...hopefully Panasonic again to ensure backwords compatibility, but who knows?

I've compiled a list of facts & rumors to suggest that Nintendo's next system will be a uber-console/portable and would launch in between the PSP & PSX3 with it.  I'll post it later once I'm done etching up some conceptual bitmaps of such a system.

4

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 31, 2003, 09:21:40 AM »

I know Nintendo will be on time...that could be why Microsoft wants in on it.

I do get a sense of dread coming from Microsoft & X-BOX fans.  I mean Sony's been laying the hype out on PSX3 for a WHILE now and Nintendo is very far along in developement of their next system.  I heard Microsoft was desperate to get a big holiday seller (like Splinter Cell last year) this year, let alone having trouble with the next system.

I have a feeling though, that despite this, that the X-BOX will be on a rise in people's minds for next generation 'cos of what they've done this generation...but that's only if they can keep it up.  If Nintendo is going to go it alone (much more likely than teaming with anyone) again next generation then who's to say they can't widen their 2ND place lead so much as to get alot of notice and then THEY could be on a rise in people's minds in time for next generation.  All that and plus they could be very early and should be out for a bit before the competition with their next system.

The problem is, up until then retailers, the media and casual gamers in general will just have this ignoring attitude towards Nintendo.  Hate to say it, but Nintendo's image is a big problem for them and teaming with Microsoft is about the best thing they could to fix that instantly in alot of people's minds.  But Nintendo has never really been too too concerned about mindshare even since before Sony came into the market.  They just continue to do as they do and somehow remain profitable.

Whenever I have these speculatory notions (heh...dreams) I go to grand levels, but now I'm sorta on a recoil in my mind.  I mean there would be alot to worry about when teaming with Microsoft:
-The real money is in software and by splitting those profits with another grubby company that would just hurt Nintendo in the long run
-Splitting profits also means splitting control...what if they beat Sony so badly they eventually force them out in a couple generations and thus their format is the leading in the industry...that's when I'm sure Microsoft would start trying to jerk the choke chains on Nintendo like as if they're the leader
-If things didn't work out between them then what?
-Back-stabbing
-Nintendo doesn't need backing, they've got cash, so they don't need Microsoft in that sense at all
-Alot of retailers/gamers/developers just don't respect Nintendo 'cos of their opinions towards the company...would teaming up with Microsoft change alot of these people's opinions...or just some...or worse yet, would these same opinions now look at Nintendo as "selling out" or still the same old kiddie company now b!tched into making games for M$?
-Nintendo still has the strong GameBoy brand...Microsoft shouldn't be anywhere near it...at all
-Microsoft is pretty much dissed for their OS & dev. tools sometimes...would this be what Nintendo would want?
-Nintendo doesn't need Microsoft in the Japanese market, let alone to garner good Japanese support...eventually all those Japanese companies who were PAID to make games for X-BOX this generation will instead focus on Nintendo's next system as their 2ND or (if Sony makes mistakes) even 1ST system ignoring Microsoft 'cos they have no kind of hold in Japan whatsoever
-Speaking of Sony mistakes, if they make them then Nintendo would have to share the glory with Microsoft in "beating" them if it ever came to that
-Nintendo would ultimatly have more control going at it alone, and if they end up with more marketshare it would be THEIRS and not have to be shared
-Nintendo's gaming-only philosophy could be the very one to exploit Microsoft's & Sony's all-in-one philosophy as a weakness in the end...being with Microsoft would only tarnish that philosophy for Nintendo

While I still think this is up in the air (wether they'd get together or not) I think ultimatly (like alot of you here) that Nintendo would rather go it alone again next generation.  Nintendo needs to somehow widen the 2ND place gap between them & Microsoft so that coming off this generation they're not seen as "last place" and may be seen as what's hot just in time for the release of their next system.  They also need to keep their current GAMECUBE audience happy (the Nintendo Club is a good idea for this) so as to put hope that Nintendo will still be the same ol' Nintendo next generation and will still be around to compete.  I really do think that Nintendo still needs a drastic overhaul of their image 'cos their pressense in retail (and rental, believe me, I see it first hand at work) is sadly way behind Microsoft's image/pressense...let alone Sony's!  I mean if you were to go into any store you would think that Sony is in first place (which they are), Microsoft is in a close 2ND (which they're NOT...worldwide they're third and they're nowhere NEAR Sony) and that Nintendo is on life support, dead last in the back corner with no mature games and will not be around next generation.

It just pisses me off that the company I work for (Blockbuster) and companies like GameStop (who own all the Babbages', Software Etc.'s,  GameStop's & FunCoLand's), G4 and ZiffDavis (who write just about every major video game magazine) are ALL under the opinion that Nintendo is nothing while they praise and worship Microsoft for being slightly ahead of Nintendo in the U.S. with the X-BOX.  It's sad that only higher numbers will make them change their opinions of Nintendo, when they themselves are one of the bigger problems in why Nintendo is perceived as dead and therefore have lower numbers.  That GameStop clerk pissed me off when he told me: "M Rated games *don't* sell on the GAMECUBE"...MAYBE THEY WOULD IF YOU CARRIED THEM DIPPY!!!  And I have this aching feeling that Blockbuster won't carry Nintendo's next system (or even if they do they'll treat it worse than they did this one) and that just makes me sad 'cos there's lots of customers who ask: "why don't you carry more GAMECUBE games?"  It's like Blockbuster saying: Dear customer, f*ck you...you bought the wrong system!  Oh well...I can't do anything about it...I've tried but they say the same thing to me that every other place does: "games like that don't rent on GAMECUBE"...MAYBE THEY WOULD IF YOU CARRIED THEM DIPPY!  It's like everyone who's in power at these companies made up their minds before GAMECUBE even launched that it was going nowhere...and I have a feeling that it'll be the same thing or even worse next generation unless Nintendo talks to these companies dirrectly or starts gaining major marketshare between now and next generation.

5

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 30, 2003, 11:37:16 PM »

I'm sorry if I got a rise outta everyone with my wild speculation...but you shouldn't let it offend you...it's just speculation on some rumors.

Yes...Both Nintendo & Microsoft are getting their graphics LSI's designed by ATi for their next systems.  While there are some definate details of how this is working there are still some unanswered questions.  Pretty much the general consensus (at the gaming-age.com forums) is that one team (Art-X) is working with Nintendo on their next system's GPU while another ATi team is working on Microsoft's GPU.  ATi has said that they're two completly different chips on two different time frames.  We know that Nintendo has been working with ATi (the Art-X team) for a long while now so I would suspect that Nintendo's design would be done first as Microsoft only recently made the deal with ATi.  There's even speculation that ATi is working on the GBA successor  for Nintendo (which would mean that ATi has got a full plate right now).  There's also an *assumption* that Microsoft's next box will use an off the shelf next next generation PC graphics card from ATi like they did with nVidia this generation.

Mine and another guys theory at gaming-age is that Microsoft ditched nVidia 'cos they saw what ATi did for Nintendo and are going that route.  They may have also done it to open the communication lines a bit wider for a relationship with Nintendo.  Let's say Nintendo's chip is near completion and Microsoft and Nintendo are talking.  Let's say Microsoft (instead of going ahead with their own seperate chip) they go with a beefed up version of Nintendo's new GPU for their next system...in exchange a partnership with Nintendo.  Microsoft & Nintendo split the capital investment (saving them both millions AND pooling their resourses and making it even more powerful) on this chip which would be a sort of universal chip that would be used in both Nintendo's & Microsoft's next systems.  Since the chip is universal, developers can code for both systems at the same time with ease and games would be cross-playable on both systems as well.  They would have to agree on some key terms like licencing, a format, developement tools and controller/peripheral specifications/compatibility in order to make it work, but if they're both pooling their resources and both teaming up they could get there and by working together they'd get there faster, with a better performing chipset, without competing with one another AND each other's software on one another's systems...all the while without having to spend as much money on getting there since they both shared costs.

So it'd work out like this:
-Nintendo's next system is a gaming-focused machine (cheaper, bare-bones, possibly with an option to be portable)
-Microsoft's next machine is more on the PSX3 level with all the bells and whistles
-Both have a similar chipset core so games run the same on both systems and coding for them is much the same (Microsoft's may be beefed up more since it'll have more non-gaming applications)
-Both companies provide the capital for this universal chipset (thus pooling resources to up the specifications & lowering the individual companies investment loss)
-Microsoft would have their OS running these machines (which is what they really wanted all along (especially in their own set-top-box...Nintendo just makes it easier for them to get more marketshare for it and this shouldn't matter much to give Microsoft this 'cos Nintendo's machine will most likely be gaming-only and thus won't need as hefty an OS))
-Both companies work together to create a standerd universal format from which they split the 3RD party licensing profits 50/50 but don't charge each other to make games for (example: Nintendo gets no money from Microsoft 1ST & 2ND party games and vice versa)
-Nintendo SHOULD have a standerd controller set-up (WaveBird standerd) for both systems (Microsoft can create their own, but come on...even if the buyer chooses the Microsoft hardware, most will still choose Nintendo branded controllers to go with it)
-GameBoy connectivity should work on either platform with games that are compatible with it (all profits from GameBoy games, hardware & connectivity features STAY with Nintendo just as they would if working on their own...Microsoft can't touch this)
-X-BOX Live! should also work with both systems (all profits generated from monthly service fees would go to Microsoft just as they would if working on their own...Nintendo can't touch this)
-A Nintendo online structure can also be set-up for lower-end no-pay LAN-to-online tunnelling services and for those developers who want to make their own networks to profit from seperate from X-BOX Live!
-Microsoft will provide the developement kits (based on the latest DirectX) with much technical advisory from Nintendo when it comes to control set-up, compression techniques, GameBoy connectivity & peripheral compatibility)
-Game saves can be coded to work with either system (Microsoft's system's built-in HD or Nintendo's system's DigiCards)
-Bulk game data can be written on Microsoft's system's built-in HD or on Nintendo's system's SD/DigiCard Adaptor
-Nintendo should make the DigiCard format (most likely thru the controller) to fuction with trading data on Microsoft's machine as well as their own machine
-Microsoft should offer an external HD for Nintendo's system (most likely if Nintendo doesn't have one in their system) for those who might want it

Doing the above means that Nintendo profits from what's rightfully there's (their own games, GameBoy connectivity, controllers/peripherals, etc.) while not having to compromise their gaming-only philosophies in the partnership.  Likewise, Microsoft gets their hand in the set-top-box market with Nintendo's support to help garner more users and profits on what's rightfully theirs (their own games, XBL, OS/DirectX dev. tools, etc.).  They both conduct business as they normally would apart, the only thing that they partner with and have to agree on is a universal chipset, format & compatibility!  Think of it like Nintendo's recent software collaborations...only...it's hardware this time.

6

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 30, 2003, 10:21:11 AM »

You've got me pegged seriously wrong and you're on some kind of attack or something.  You need to count to ten and breath easy.  I'm not here to cause trouble and I don't hate Nintendo or anything like that.  I'm a Nintendo-only gamer...but I'd be a blind fanatic if I was saying Nintendo is A-Okay and will be fine.  The general concensus amoung casual gamers & gamers who don't own a GAMECUBE is that Nintendo is on a downward spiral...even Steven Kent acknowledges this.

YES Nintendo is profitable.

YES I'm plenty satisfied with the GAMECUBE and could care less what other people think of me or my choice in video games.

BUT...I'm not the typical every day casual gamer...and these are the people that are driving this industry now and yet, they're ignoring Nintendo.  They will continue to ignore Nintendo until Nintendo has no marketshare 'cos they have no support from gamers, retailers or developers.  I'm sorry, but it'll eventually happen unless something drastic happens to change their image...not only with people who follow games (like us), but the mainstream who ignore Nintendo now.

Also, you're comments about the PSP are...retarded.  You think this is Sony's first product?  You think they're gonna make some kind of silly mistake like not offer a good enough battery power supply?  You think they're not gonna lower the price if people aren't bitting (and by the way $150 + the Sony PlayStation name + alot of fed-up GameBoy gamers = INSTANT buyers for PSP on launch day)  Rediculous.  And what's this about developers not supporting PSP?  Believe me developers will be milking the old PSX games on the PSP just as quickly and easily as developers milked their old 16BIT games on GBA.  UMD's will be cheaper and hold loads more data than GameBoy carts.  No where am I saying that Nintendo is gonna die.  Nowhere am I saying Nintendo doesn't have a plan to combat this.  HOWEVER...I'm not blind to the fact that the PSP is a threat to Nintendo's biggest money maker: the GameBoy line.  It's taking all of Nintendo's resources just to support an ailing console line and keep their portable dominance...what makes you think they won't be hurting when the PSP (for once, a serious competitor to GameBoy) stabs into their portable dominance?

So dwidling userbase in their console line and now a major threat to their portable money maker approaches...how profitable will Nintendo be once the next generation rolls around, huh?  Seriously?

Oh yeah dude and calm down with quoting me and stuff, you'd think you were actually retorting me by calling me biased or stupid...it's not working.  Besides you don't even seem to be reading my posts, instead you think I'm trying to offend you or something.  Not at all.  I love Nintendo....but I'd be a fool not to admit that they could be in trouble if they don't do something.  Nowhere am I stating that Nintendo & Microsoft ARE getting together...I'm just speculating the possibilities.  I'm a speculatory person.  Oh yeah and the fact still remains (even Matt from IGN CUBE has admitted this) that Microsoft WANTS to team up with Nintendo...so it IS a possibility that the rumors of them actually getting together could hold some merrit.  So instead of being blind to the fact that Sony & Nintendo hate each other and will NEVER work together, maybe you should look at the truth that Microsoft wants to get with Nintendo next generation.

Oh yeah, and your stance of "Nintendo can do it on their own" is respectable and nowhere do I say they can't do it on their own, but it'd be alot easier if Microsoft was working with them to acheive a common goal.  To be taken seriously as a true competitor towards Sony instead of being scoffed at by the mainstream so they can thus be more profitable 'cos they have more marketshare...blam...simple as that.

I have alot more to say...but I'm going to be late to work if I don't get going.  Bye for now...

7

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 30, 2003, 08:40:30 AM »

Wait wait wait...

I can't believe any of you would think that Nintendo & Sony would ever work together.  Sony doesn't want to and Nintendo doesn't want to...blam...simple as that.  The Microsoft situation is different 'cos you KNOW that Microsoft DOES want to get with Nintendo...right now it's just a question of if Nintendo will even consider it.  If Nintendo's big brass considered a Microsoft buyout before this generation even started then surely they might be interested in a partnership next generation.  #1 they're doing even worse userbase/mindshare wise than they were coming off the N64.  #2 Mr. Yamauchi (the main one who was against Microsoft buying them out pre-GAMECUBE) is no longer in charge at Nintendo.  #3 Microsoft surely knows that Nintendo won't be bowled over by selling out and even if they were it'd be too costly to Microsoft to straight  out buy them.  So...Microsoft is probably aiming for more agreeable terms to Nintendo 'cos they have to.

As far as the comment about Nintendo making money...yes...we all know that Nintendo is STILL very profitable despite their low console userbase...BUT...most of those profits come from milking the GameBoy brand...a brand which will soon be threatened by the PSP.  So if Nintendo continues the way they are they will continue to lose console mindshare & userbase (which cuts into profits) and have to worry about losing their cashcow in the GameBoy line.  So no, Nintendo isn't always going to be profitable if they continue to lose userbase which now (thanks to casual gamers being the driving force in the market) is shaped by mindshare.

Then someone coupled the above point about how profitable Nintendo is and how profitable Microsoft isn't.  Yes that's a good point if we're talking about a merger or a buyout...but not a PARTNERSHIP.  Microsoft can continue to do business the way they want to and Nintendo likewise...only now they get to share each others games to garner more support from retailers, gamers, developers & publishers alike!

I used to be very anti-MS, still have a part of me that is...but I can't deny their strengths in the games market.  And while alot of the anti-MS sentiment will gladly point out how much Microsoft is "throwing away" on the X-BOX, they ignore the fact that that's the way Microsoft planned to do it anyways.  They knew that in order to garner support away from the industry leader (Sony) and the industry veteran (Nintendo) they would have to spend spend spend.  That doesn't forever mean they are gonna lose and never gain.  In fact I would wager to say that's one of the reasons they would want to partner with Nintendo...why...'cos despite their dwindling market presense and despite competing against two behemoth companies Nintendo remains profitable.  I mean look, they went to ATi just as Nintendo did so therefore you know they're looking to get more bang for their buck just like Nintendo did with GAMECUBE (which despite it's power being closely on par with the X-BOX, cost them a fraction of what was spent on the X-BOX).  To me, that's a big indicator that Microsoft wants to learn from Nintendo so that instead of "wasting" money on their game projects they can instead MAKE money like Nintendo does.

The comment about "if Nintendo wanted to win, they'd add DVD" bla bla bla is so lame.  There is no ONE way for any company to "win".  And who said anything really about winning?  I just said with a partnership with Microsoft they'd do better to actually be able to truly compete against Sony.  The best thing about this is that instead of having two competitors being seperate they would only have ONE being together...and those odds are alot better than what they've got now.

You guys need to get out of the mentality that Microsoft would somehow OWN Nintendo by partnering with them.  What I am thinking of (and surely they are thinking of if they're considering getting together) would be less risky, less expensive and be more benificial all the while not compromising one anothers plans/philosophies.  The idea is simply that they're format would be universal between the two systems so that each others games sell to each others markets increasing their mindshare, their userbase and their overall pressense in the industry.

Imagine, as a Nintendo fan, walking into a GameStop and Nintendo (with of course Microsoft) FINALLY getting the shelfspace and placement they desserve.  Imagine reading a mainstream news article about video games where, instead of them dogging, forgetting or downright ignoring Nintendo, they actually talk about them and give them their proper respect.  Imagine being able to read a game magazine where someone is actually happy to reveiw a Nintendo game and not pissing on it 'cos it was a "sloppy port" or "not on the right system" bla bla bla.  Imagine actually having 3RD parties making games for YOU instead of sighing 'cos the game is on everything else but Nintendo's system.  Imagine a GameStop clerk actually telling you that the newest M Rated game IS in for your Nintendo system and IS available instead of him snooding out: "teH GAMEPUBE is R teH kiddie and therefore we don't carry that game 'cos they don't sell for it!"  Imagine Nintendo's delight when the damned shareholders are off their NUTS and they can stop worrying about them and how their marketshare is dwindling and instead worry about making games better all the while watching their games soar up top selling charts 'cos now (thanks to Microsoft's audience buying their games too) their games are selling way better.  Imagine a game conversation where people actually take Nintendo seriously.  Imagine asking someone to play a Nintendo game and/or on a Nintendo system with them and them not staring at you and saying: "don't you have an X-BOXda or a PlayStation yo!"

8

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 29, 2003, 09:59:28 AM »

Hey...what's up.  Yes I am THE DrGAKMAN.

The VHS format I believe was created by Matsushita (as you said) and JVC.

To respond to the guy before you...no...I don't think creating a universal format to be played on both Nintendo & Micrsoft systems would be "selling out".  And as far as licensing goes it should be 50/50.

The *real* problem if they've come this far in agreement (on creating a universal format) is what format to use.  Do they go Sony's route with BRD?  Or do they make their own?  I think they absolutly should create their own.  BRD is nice, don't get me wrong, but I think Sony plans are to make it the "next" format for HiDef movies & games.  I'm under the belief that they're doing it too soon as people are *quite* happy with DVD just as they are *still* quite happy with CD's for music.  Nintendo & Microsoft should instead stick with a dirrivative of the current DVD format IMO.  That way they could be loads cheaper (since it's not exactly a new technology) and thusly publishers may find it more attractive than PSX3's BRD.  Sony will either dominate with BRD ('cos it'll hook into the whole digital video recording/HiDef format craze) or they'll be humbled 'cos of it due to the fact that it just may be too soon to ask people to jump from DVD to BRD.  Plus most developers may not have the budget to create 25-50GB games next generation so it could really all backfire on Sony...which is where Nintendo & Microsoft's new universal propriety DVD could step in.  It may not hold as much data, but it'll be LOADS cheaper than BRD at this point AND it won't be relying on becoming a new entertainment standerd since DVD is already pretty much standerd anyways.  Plus Nintendo & Microsoft could add their own hooks (extra selling points) by sticking with DVD.  For instance if Nintendo does go portable with their next machine then they could have the "hook" of being a portable DVD player too (which to me would >CRUSH< PSP's UMD format as a portable movie format).  Microsoft could combat PSX3's BRD Recording by adding a CD-RW or DVD-RW to their next X-BOX as it's "hook" 'cos by that time such technology would be way cheaper to impliment than BRD Recording...plus people would be more accepting of making their own CD's & DVD's to play in their existing players than they would making BRD's which would only really be playable mainly in PSX3 at that point.

Sorry, I went of topic with that whole "which format should they choose", but it's been on my mind.  

9

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 29, 2003, 08:36:47 AM »

Uhhhhh...

I think their individual console sales would be moot at this point since they BOTH play the same games.  Exclussives are moot too since they're really not trying to outsell each other, but instead, Sony...or at least compete.

Giving gamers a choice between a cheaper Nintendo made games-only machine and an all-in-one Microsoft system that both play the same games is not only good, but diversifying people's tastes without really competing with one another.  I've forgotten that this isn't gaming-age.com where I've been talking about my Nintendo going more portable theory for a while now.  I believe that Nintendo will aim to make their next system discman sized and make it to where the next GameBoy can display GAMECUBE quality visuals so you can hook them up together and ultimatly play next generation games on the go.  This would be more than the perfect answer to PSP *and* cosolidate Nintendo's GameBoy dominance with their ailing console line to create a uber-portable/console market all their own.  Microsoft's machine will not just play games, but I imagine will have alot of features the PSX3 has.  The big thing is now, if they team up now they can have each others games as an extra selling point to their systems over Sony's.  While Microsoft would probably do better in America with their bigger badder system, Nintendo would most likely do better in Japan since it's name/system design will do alot better there for that market...but either way it doesn't matter 'cos the *real* money is in the software and I garauntee if they were to team up they would sell more software.  It would really benifit developers 'cos, by making just one game for them, they reach two completly diverse markets.  It would benifit gamers 'cos instead of having to buy two systems to enjoy Microsoft & Nintendo's software libraries they'll only have to buy one.

This talk of a Sony team up is what's *really* rediculous.  Sony has already drawn the battle lines with PSP...they're not gonna back down...they want to force Nintendo out of the market or force them to go 3RD party...not to team up with them.  Sony are control freaks, they would want Nintendo to drop the GAMECUBE & GameBoy line before joining them thus making them dependant on Sony.  Microsoft may have wanted that before this generation, but they know that Nintendo won't give up their portable or console lines and be b!tched into making games for someone elses system.  Besides, Microsoft doesn't want Nintendo to ditch the strong GameBoy line  for some silly "X-BOY" either...I'm sure they're more willing to come to terms than Sony is...why...'cos Sony is dominant and therefore arogant where as Microsoft is in the same boat as Nintendo...under Sony's boot.

10

Nintendo Gaming / RE: M$ and Nintendo?

« on: August 28, 2003, 10:08:40 PM »

Hello kids...

Well, I happen to know that Microsoft WANTS to team up with Nintendo in one form or another.  They originally wanted to buy Nintendo before this generation, but it didn't happen 'cos of Mr. Yamauchi anti-MS stigma & Microsoft wanting Nintendo to ditch their GAMECUBE system altogether.  Microsoft knows now that they can't play such hardball with Nintendo this time as it would cost them too much to buy them out and would be asking too much to try to tell them what to do.  So I think Microsoft is instead trying the cozy approach by coming to Nintendo under Nintendo's terms and not the we're gonna buy you, you're gonna do this for us, you're gonna throw away your plans for the next system and you're gonna like it!  They have been less insulting of Nintendo lately and in fact the recent ATi announcement may be Microsoft actually complimenting Nintendo by admitting ATi's work on the GAMECUBE's graphics set impressed them to the point of wanting to work with them.

I think alot of you are thinking that they'd have to merge or Microsoft would have to buy Nintendo or something...NO...that's not the only way.  In fact a less expensive *and* more agreeable term is to just be partners.  Go on as they normally would with their own respective systems/philosophies next generation only make it to where the systems chipsets are similar (*cough*ATi*cough*) and that both systems use a jointly created disc format.  That way Nintendo & Microsoft games can be played on either Nintendo or Microsoft systems.  They take themselves out of competition with each other all the while never hendering the other companies plans.  They'd have to make it to where the developement tools would make the new games compatible with both systems and they'd have to agree on certain things like peripheral/controller specifications, but the systems themselves could be whatever each company wants them to be.

There wouldn't have to be some JOINT Nintendo+Microsoft system...they'd just to have to agree on the system's core aspects and media format.  The systems themselves could be very different.  Nintendo would most likely stick to their gaming-only philosophy and possibly make their next system a uber-console/portable.  Microsoft would instead compete head-to-head with Sony with their machine by adding all the bells & whistles to it.

Two completly different systems from two different companies BUT that play the same exact games and thusly helping themselves against a common enemy (Sony) while at the same time taking themselves out of competition with themselves.  It's like the same business model that VHS & DVD follow.  A universal format is created by the founders of the format, to use in machines they themselves make...each appealing to a different market but that play the same format which they (and outside 3RD parties) make software for to reap profits from.  It's what Sony ultimaly wants to do if their Playstation format is the only one left from the console "wars" so they can license out the software & hardware that plays the software to multiple companies to make multiple machines while they sit back and let the jack roll in.  If Microsoft & Nintendo can agree on a universal format for their systems then they sorta skip to Sony's next step before Sony can even do it and create a VHS/DVD like business model putting the squeeze on Sony to the point where they can legitamatly compete with them.

Garrison Andrew Kane